Green Consumerism

A recent New York Times article reveals one of the unintended outcomes of the green movement is the increase in commercialism and consumerism. Trendy, earth-friendly merchandise is now available for just about every kind of product on the market...from men’s dress shirts to dog chew toys. In addition to their main product lines, many manufacturers offer “green” alternatives, which are marketed as biodegradable, organic, all natural, eco-friendly, etc. All these products are adding to the accumulation of waste matter and further depleting our natural resources.

According to the Washington Post, “Industry estimates of the total spent on environmentally conscious goods and services in the United States are upward of $209 billion.” Producers are raking in huge profits from so-called “green consumers” and critics are speaking out. Author Paul Hawken says, “Green consumerism is an oxymoronic phrase.” George Black of the Natural Resources Defense Council, believes the majority of these shoppers are “eco-narcissists,” because they are more concerned with fashion than addressing the seriousness of our environmental crises.